If they fuck up character development and player to character empathy with the new class system they will loose THE thing that I remember with most affection about UFO1.
In the original game, the soldiers developed slowly and as the player learned the game at the same pace, a strong connection was created with each soldier. And as each soldier kind of specialized based on tasks received (carry heavy weapons, long distance sots, grenade thrower, and later uber mind controller) each became unique and losing one was not an option. I still remember today, after more than 15 years, the legendary (for me and one friend of mine) Marcel Marcel (ok, not the hardest name to remember), who had huge numbers of action pints and great mind control skills.
If Firaxis can come close to the original overall experience I will be impressed (and frankly surprised).
